Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Basilica dedicated to the Virgin |
Plaza de la Virgen, s/n Valencia 46003 Spain +34 96 391 8611 |
The basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados is the sight of the statue of the namesake virgin of the basilica. The basilica, attached to the Cathedral by a magnificent renaissance archway, competes with the cathedral in its ability to attract the faithful. It is the sanctuary of the Geperudeta (the Little Hunchback), the virgin who is known for her efforts to protect the less fortunate. The statue itself is gothic, with a Byzantine face, a long head of hair and is adorned by numerous jewels donated by the faithful. The basilica was constructed between 1652 and 1667 by Diego Martínez Ponce de Urruana and it's located in Plaza de la Virgen. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
The Holy Grail |
Plaza de la Reina Conjunto Catedralicio Valencia 46001 Spain +34 96 391 8127 |
The cathedral's Sala Capitular contains a legendary object: the Holy Grail. The supposed Grail arrived in Valencia in 1437, from San Juan de la Peña Monastery, thanks to King Alfonso the Magnanimous. This relic is Christianity's most precious treasure, and the only officially recognised Grail (or chalice that is said to have held the blood of Christ). Though this is debated and most historians agree that this is not the true Grail, it remains an important relic for Christianity, as well as for Islam and Judaism. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Caroline Lufti |
 Photo: Matt Perreault |
 Photo: Elizabeth Kalinski |
 Photo: Maggie Fok |
 Photo: Ashley Buice |
 Photo: Christopher McCarter  |
 Photo: Catherine Wingate |
 Photo: denisesfotos |
|
Celebration of Valencia's Patron Saint |
Plaza de la Virgen, s/n Valencia 46003 Spain |
The celebration of the Virgen de los Desamparados' Feast Day is held on the second Sunday in May. She is the Patron Saint of Valencia and, to honour the occasion, the city is transformed. The façade of the Basilica named after her is covered in a huge taptestry, while the night before all sorts of events pay her tribute: the Dançà and Nit d'Albaes (typical music and dances) take place and special masses are held (Descuberta and Infantes). In the morning, the Peregrina (Pilgrim) as she is also known is moved from the Basilica to the cathedral. Thousands of faithful slow down her progress as they recite all manner of poems and songs in her honour. The climax of the entire day is the solemn procession which takes place at nightfall as a shower of flower petals rain down on the Virgin from the balconies above. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Panoramic Stairwell |
Conjunto Catedralicio Plaza de la Reina, s/n Valencia 46001 Spain +34 96 391 8127 |
It's worth climbing the 207 steps of the catedral belltower's spiral staircase to get the best views of the city. From nearly 60m in the air you can see everything around you, including the tower's 12 huge bells, the largest weighing 11000 kilos. The distinctive octagonal structure was built during the late 14th and early 15th centuries in a Gothic style similar to the belltowers in Lérida and Narbonne. Admission: (EUR 2.00) Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Manolo-lopez |
 Photo: Daniel J. Cartwright |
 Photo: Leif Eirik Skaue |
 Photo: Karina CW |
 Photo: Joao Alves |
 Photo: Charbel Stockmans Daou |
 Photo: bdmc |
 Photo: soonforward |
 Photo: Daniel Sun |
 Photo: Javier Terol |
 Photo: Jose Wendy |
 Photo: maic_her |
|
Atop an old convent |
Calle de Guillem de Castro 42 Valencia 46001 Spain +34 96 392 0012 |
The Nuestra Señora del Pilar y San Lorenzo parish church is on what was once a Dominican convent. Said convent was founded in the city thanks to a book merchant called Baltasar Simó de Valterra. In his will in 1640, he made provisions for a school to be founded dedicated to the Virgen del Pilar in Zaragoza, so that the graduates could then attend to the needs of the sick in the General Hospital. One year later, several houses were bought in the Plaza de la Cofradía de Santalucía next to the hospital, and in 1618, the foundation was set up. In 1903, the San Lorenzo parish was moved to the Pilar church, along with its archives and artwork, and this Saint is also worshipped here now. Noteworthy features within the church include several frescos in some of the chapels, accredited to Francisco Bru who was a disciple of José Vergara. The chancel is also decorated with frescos representing the Virgen del Pilar, painted by José Nogales Hernández in 1940. Mass: 8a, 9a & 8p M-Sa; 9a, 11a, 1p & 8p Su Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Long live Saint Bulto |
Plaza de Sant Bult Valencia Spain |
This religious festival commemorates the discovery of an ancient image of Sant Bult (Saint Bulto). The image represents a crucified Christ wearing a crown of thorns and shows a chalice at his feet. Primitive Christians worshipped it before the Muslim occupation of Spain. It lay buried for centuries until it was found under a flagstone by a construction worker called Manuel Navarro during the time of the Reconquest. On the first Sunday of June, the image is carried in procession through the Xerea district to the church of Santo Tomás y San Felipe Neri. Parishioners cover the streets en route with leafy green tree branches as far as Plaza de San Bult where the finale takes place and Saint Bulto is enthroned on a special altar built for the ocassion. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Christ arrives by sea |
Grau Valencia Spain |
This popular maritime religious festival takes place on May, 4 in the working class waterfront district of Grau. There´s a procession, Mass, singing and other festivities. A Gothic statue of Christ "The Saviour", made in Lerida in 1411, was washed ashore here. Pope Benedict XIII gave custody of the statue to the parish church of Santa María del Mar. This event commemorates the arrival of the statue. Everything starts in the Puerto when a fleet of boats accompanies the statue to dry land from where it is taken in procession through the streets of Grau. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Muslim meeting centre |
Calle de Méndez Núñez 47 Valencia 46023 Spain |
You'll find the Islamic Centre close to the port. Muslims as well as those interested in learning more about the Muslim faith and culture, may come here for all the information they may require. Muslim families often meet here to pray, for various religious ceremonies or simply to get-together and chat. This office is also a good place to find out about existing mosques and Islamic centres throughout the province of Valencia. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Small synagogue and cultural centre |
Calle de Uruguay 59 Valencia 46007 Spain +34 96 380 2129 http://uscj.org/world/valencia... atoscano@arrakis.es |
La Javurá is a small synagogue affiliated with the Assembly of Conservative Synagogues, based in New York City. In this Masorete temple, a group of 17 scholars study the Torah and organise the various religious and cultural activities that take place here. The centre is open to anyone interested in Jewish culture and traditions. You'll find all sorts of books and articles from Latin American synagogues mostly. You can also sign up for classes in Hebrew as well as an introduction to Judaism. Religious services: Kabalat Shabat every Friday at 8p held at homes throughout the city. Contact the centre for the specific location. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Founded by San Juan de Ribera |
Calle de la Nave 3 Valencia 46003 Spain |
This school and seminary was founded in 1583 by San Juan de Ribera. It is an important building architecturally for reflecting the importance the Italian Renaissance had in Spain. The structure takes up an entire city block, deliberately built in front of the original university building so that the students and seminarists could easily attend relevant classes. The main entrance on Nave street shows a mix of architectural styles, and the main double vestibule or hall separates the church from the "Capilla de la Inmaculada" chapel, both of which are worthy of a visit. But perhaps this seminary's most important feature architecturally is the cloistered patio, considered one of the most beautiful within the Spanish Renaissance. The building also houses the Patriarca museum where you can contemplate a selection of paintings by Archbishop Riberas as well as many other artists. All of these works are respresentative of the painting done in the 16th and 17th centuries. Here you'll find works by Juan de Juanes, el Greco, Novaro and Baglione, among others. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
The oldest convent in Valencia |
Calle de la Trinidad 13 Valencia 46010 Spain +34 96 360 5255 |
Not far from the Jardines del Real park and on one of the Turia River's old river banks you will find the oldest convent in Valencia that still serves its original function. It belongs and is used by the Royal Order of Holy Trinity Clarist nuns. It is made up of one building that has great historical importance. It was founded by queen Maria de Castilla, the spouse of Alfonso V, the Magnanimous. The queen had her tomb built in the cloister and that is where she is buried. The convent thrived in the 15th and 16th centuries, becoming an important cultural and religous center in the city. During this period of splendor, the celebrated writer, sister Isabel de Villena, was also abbess of the convent, while at the same time the great Valencian poet, Jaume Roig, was doctor for this religious order. The daughter of king Ferdinand the Catholic, Maria de Aragon was also a member of this order and is buried here. The building's architecture is very interesting because its construction included new techniques at the time, making it one of the most important buildings from Valencia in the 1400s. Unfortunately, it can only be visited from the exterior. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Former monastery for hermit monks |
Plaza de San Agustín 1 Valencia 46001 Spain +34 96 352 6870 |
San Agustín Church is now what was once the monastery for hermit monks in the order of the namesake saint. The original Medieval building was covered later by baroque and classical ornamentation, though a more recent attempt was made to recreate the original gothic style. Although the church is today a part of the hustle and bustle of the city centre - it's located near Norte Station, it was originally in the middle of the fields, far from the old walls of the city. When you enter this church, there really is a sense of solemnity to it, and the huge windows around the main altar let in warm sunlight, creating the marvellous effect of peace and tranquility, exactly what the original monks were looking for. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Angel Salguero |
 Photo: Mª José Vela |
 Photo: cogozalez1 |
 Photo: Héctor Rodríguez |
|
Small but famous church |
Plaza de San Esteban 2 Valencia 46003 Spain |
San Esteban church is a small building close to the Cathedral. It's an interesting place, though not so much architecturally as for historical and anecdotal reasons. The area around it (Plaza de l'Almoina) is full of treasure down below. It is the site of some of the most important archaeological finds in the city dating back to Roman times. According to legend, this church is where local Saint Vicente Ferrer was baptized, and where El Cid Campeador, legendary Christian warrior fighting the Moors, had his two daughters married. Mass: 8a & 7:30p M-Sa, 1p, 7:30p & 9:15p Su. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nadia Piegari |
|
Renaissance-style church |
Calle del Poeta Querol 6 Valencia 46002 Spain |
This beautiful, single-storey church is rectangular in layout with a vaulted dome and the typical side chapels in pure Renaissance style. The most noteworthy features on the outside are the Salomonic columns and the frontispiece over the fore-part of the church. Inside, be sure not to miss the chapel belonging to the Fishermen's Guild. Its central location (near González Martí Ceramics Museum), beauty and valuable artwork (including paintings and sculptures) make it a popular church with passers-by and tourists. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
In the historic centre |
Calle del Trinquete de los Caballeros 5 Valencia 46003 Spain +34 96 392 2965 |
The San Juan del Hospital church is located between two of the most popular squares found in Valencia's old quarter: Plaza San Vicente Ferrer and Plaza de Nápoles y Sicilia. You can access the church from La Paz street. The building was originally gothic in style, though there are hardly any remaining traces of this early architecture left, though it is still an interesting visit. One noteworthy feature in particular is the Saint Barbara side-chapel inside. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pedro Gomes |
 Photo: Pedro Gomes |
 Photo: Javier J Bas |
 Photo: turlusifoneador |
 Photo: Dmitri Kazmin |
|
Built in 1908 |
Plaza de la Iglesia 5 Valencia 46013 Spain |
This church can be found on a small plaza near the "Fonteta" School and within the area known as Fuente de San Luis. The church was originally built in 1908. However, it had to be completely restored after the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) as it had been used as a warehouse. In general, the church is baroque in style, with three naves: the first features a barrel vault while the remaining two, cross vaults. On the outside, the bell tower is its most distinctive feature. It's divided in three sections as is typical within the Valencian baroque style. The section containing the clock is topped with the bells, while the uppermost section serves to stylize and unite the entire tower. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: MacMANU |
 Photo: jomacres |
|
Noteworthy stone-work |
Calle de San Vicente Martír 2 Valencia 46002 Spain |
You'll find this church, San Marín Obispo y San Antonio, on busy San Vicente street near Plaza de la Reina. The parish dates back to 1238, when a mosque was consecrated as a Catholic church just after the Moors were defeated. Pedro Albalat, the Archbishop of Tarragona at the time, was the founder of this church. It was originally a simple and sober building but with time, various architectural features were added depending on the style of the times. In the 18th century, the interior was completely reformed and is how we see it today. Some of the church's most noteworthy features include the doorways, credited to Francisco Vergara, and the incredible masonry. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tono Ayora |
 Photo: Takaquito |
 Photo: Pablo |
|
Feast Day of Valencia's Patron Saint |
Plaza de Zaragoza, s/n Valencia 46003 Spain |
San Vicente Mártir's Feast Day is held on January 22. He is the (male) Patron Saint of Valencia. The Saint was killed by order of Roman Emperor Diocleciano in 304 A.D. The cathedral still preserves one of the Saint's intact arms. The main event on this Feast Day is the General Procession to all the religious spots where popular legend has it the future Saint would be martirized. These acts are then followed by a Papal Mass held by the Archbishop in the cathedral. The last event is a mass held according to the Hispano-Mozarabic rites in the sepulchre of the basilica, also known as La Roqueta. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Javier Lopez Vasquez |
 Photo: Cristina Aguilar |
|
Most picturesque church |
Plaza de Santa Catalina, s/n Valencia 46001 Spain +34 96 391 7713 |
If you walk down La Paz street heading towards the Plaza de la Reina, you will see Santa Catalina church's beautiful and baroque bell tower. Once in the plaza, you can get a full appreciation for the beauty and ornateness of the church, contrasting with the sobriety of "El Miguelete's", the Cathedral bell tower. These two towers are, according to popular legend, husband and wife. Santa Catalina's origins date back to the time of Catholic conquest of the city, when in a demonstration of power over the conquered Moors, king Jaime I built wonderful structures throughout the city such as this one. Santa Catalina, known as a baroque church, is really much older. Behind the baroque facade and in the interior you will find an early gothic structure. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marta S. Gufstasson |
 Photo: jelen08 |
 Photo: Lutetia |
 Photo: Dr. Moppo |
 Photo: JesS_VLC |
 Photo: Gosia Janerka |
|
Old Dominican convent |
Plaza de Tetuán 22 Valencia 46003 Spain +34 96 391 7694 |
This old Dominican convent is found on a centric square at the top of the most important commercial street in Valencia, Colón. The building dates back to the time of Jaime I and the conquest of the city that was in Moorish hands at the time. Some of the noteworthy features of the building include the Gothic cloister from the 14th century, the Capilla de los Reyes — Kings' chapel, built in the 15th century and the Renaissance cloister dating from the 16th century. This former religious building has been given a completely different role from that of prayer: it is the headquarters for the military's offices here in Valencia. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tono Ayora |
 Photo: Daniel Friedle |
 Photo: mkhaund |
|
18th century church |
Plaza de San Vicente Ferrer, s/n Valencia 46003 Spain +34 96 391 8755 |
This church is also known as "The Congregation". It was built in 1725 and it stands out for the simplicity of its design. The building was declared a National Historic and Artistic Monument in 1982. The church's architectural model corresponds to the "Il Gesú" church in Rome which had enormous repercussions throughout Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. It consists of a central nave divided into three parts and various side chapels. It really is an interesting church to visit, though you may do so only during mass. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tono Ayora |
|
One of the oldest |
Plaza del Mercado, s/n Valencia 46001 Spain +34 96 391 6354 |
The Santos Juanes church is one of the oldest in Valencia. It is also known as the church of San Juan del Mercado (Saint John of the Market). It was built in the 14th century and its original architecture is gothic in style. However, there was a terrible fire in 1552 and the interior was completely refurbished. When you enter, be sure to look up at the huge dome crowning the church and the beautiful frescos decorating it. Mass: 8a, 9a, 10a, noon & 6:30p M-Sa; 10a, 11a, noon, 1p & 6:30p Su Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Keogh, jv21.com |
 Knight Templars & warrior monks |
Plaza del Temple 2 Valencia 46003 Spain |
The Palacio del Temple is more famous for its previous occupants than for its architecture, though this too is outstanding. Today it is the University Parish but it was once the monastery for the Montesa Order of monks. These are the legendary warrior-monks or "Knight Templars", charged with protecting the Holy Grail. The building itself was built by the architect from Madrid, Miguel Fernández. There are two separate parts to the complex: the monastery and the church. Two large towers with white and blue tiles crown the building (typical of the Mediterranean). The facade is pure Neoclassical in style, while inside is a beautiful cloister. The church is based on a typically Jesuit layout and has a wonderfully large dome. The Palacio was declared a Historic and Artistic National Monument in 1979. You can visit the complex one hour prior to commencement of mass. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Floral design exhibition and competition |
Various venues Valencia, Valencia Spain http://www.crucesdemayo.com/ |
For this festival, celebrated during the first weekend in May - the 'Month of Flowers' - people arrange and display large floral crosses all over the city, bringing to mind the ancient custom of adorning the city limits and roads to and from Valencia with these 'natural monuments'. Some of the most important gateways to the city where May Crosses are displayed are the Camino Real (Royal Road) to Madrid, Morvedre, Mislata, San Vicente de Extramuros, Quart, Cuenca, Torrente, and l'Albufera. For more than 70 years, brotherhoods, religious groups, schools and organizations have competed in adorning the city with both art and a festive atmosphere. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Sights and Sounds of the City |
Área de Comunicación Av. Cortes Valencianas, 41 Valencia, Valencia 46015 Spain +34 96 339 0390 http://www.turisvalencia.es |
TurisValencia is your one stop spot for everything to do in the city of Valencia. Visit their website for details on shopping, transportation, dining, beaches, and a year round calendar of events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Tri-cultural architectual fusion |
Plaza de la Reina Valencia 46001 Spain +34 96 391 8127 |
This imposing Gothic cathedral consists of 3 naves, a polygonal apse and monumental dome. Construction began in 1262 and finished in 1702, though before it was a cathedral, it had been a mosque and a Roman temple. The cathedral's three doors reflect the mixture of styles: the Palau (palace) door is archaic Romanesque mixed with primitive Gothic; the Door of the Apostles is pure Gothic, and the Hierros Door is Baroque. Every Thursday at midday, the Door of the Apostles is the site of the oldest tribunal in all of Europe, the Tribunal de las Aguas (Water Court), which resolves the conflicts arising over the use of water in the nearby fields. Another outstanding feature is the Gothic bell tower, known as the Miguelete, which you can visit. The cathedral also houses the Catedralicio Diocesano Museum and the Santo Cáliz Chapel. Mass: Mon-F 7:25a, 8a, 9a, 9:45a, 11a, 12p, 6p, 7p and 8p Sa 6p,7p and 8p Su 8a, 9a, 10a, 11a, 12p, 1p, 6p, 7p and 8p Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jonathan Holden |
 Photo: nessa_lavey |
 Photo: threewise |
 Photo: Delwynne Fife |
 Photo: rparis74 |
 Photo: k_man123 |
 Photo: ramonbaile |
 Photo: kristasung |
 Photo: Sally Vermaaten |
 Photo: Andrew Egenes |
 Photo: Siyad Ma |
 Photo: Claudia Vega |
 Photo: Marco Conti |
 Photo: Maleldo |
 Photo: Carlos Muñoz |
 Photo: Juan & Megan León |
 Photo: Snowy Hoobinoo |
 Photo: Soleado84 |
 Photo: Zac Woolfitt |
 Photo: Nikki Brooke |
 Photo: Joe Kromer |
 Photo: Adam Harbott |
 Photo: Neil Waterhouse |
 Photo: Andrew Parnell |
 Photo: Tim McLean |
 Photo: Anett Grusser-Petter |
 Photo: tenacious snail |